Part I:
The morning sun filtered through the curtains of the Occult Research Club building, casting soft rays across the clubroom where Rias Gremory sat at her desk, reviewing paperwork.
Next to her, Ravel Phenex was curled up in a chair, occasionally glancing up with a dreamy smile that made Rias's heart skip a beat.
Married life is... nice, Rias thought, then immediately blushed at how domestic that sounded.
The door burst open.
"PRESIDENT!" Issei stumbled in, his face flushed, eyes wide. "I just had the BEST dream! Buchou was—wait, no, it was Akeno-san—no, BOTH of you were—"
He froze.
Because Koneko had just walked in behind him.
And her skirt had caught on the door handle.
**RIIIIIIP**
Time seemed to slow down.
The white fabric tore cleanly, exposing her striped cat-print panties to the entire room.
Koneko looked down at her now-exposed underwear.
Then at Issei.
Then back at her underwear.
"Senpai," she said in her deadpan voice. "This is your fault."
"HOW IS THIS MY FAULT?! I Didn't EVEN TOUCH—"
*WHAM*
Koneko's fist connected with Issei's face, sending him flying across the room.
"Pervert," she stated simply, adjusting her skirt (or what remained of it) with perfect calm.
Rias sighed. "Koneko, I'll get you a new uniform. Issei, stop screaming."
"BUT SHE HIT ME FOR SOMETHING I DIDN'T—"
*WHAM*
Akeno had arrived, her trademark sadistic smile in place. "Ara ara~ Issei-kun, you should be more careful around delicate maidens~"
"I LITERALLY DID NOTHING WRONG!"
"The fact that you saw makes you guilty~" Akeno's smile widened. "Should I punish you more?"
"PLEASE NO!"
Ravel watched this chaos unfold with wide eyes. "Is... is this normal?"
"Unfortunately, yes," Rias replied, rubbing her temples. "Welcome to the Occult Research Club. Where dignity goes to die."
The door opened again.
This time, it was Asia, carrying a tray of tea and cookies.
"Good morning, everyone! I made—OH!"
She tripped.
The tray went flying.
In a display of reflexes that would make any Knight proud, Kiba dove to catch the falling teapot.
Unfortunately, this meant sliding across the floor.
Directly under Asia's skirt.
As she fell forward.
"KYAAAA!" Asia's face turned crimson as she landed on top of Kiba, her white panties with little cross patterns now very much visible.
"I-I'M SO SORRY, ASIA-SAN!" Kiba stammered, his face matching hers in colour. "I DIDN'T MEAN TO—"
"IT'S OKAY! IT'S OKAY!" Asia was practically steaming. "YOU WERE JUST TRYING TO SAVE THE TEA!"
"I FAILED AT THAT TOO! THE COOKIES ARE RUINED!"
They both looked at the scattered cookies on the floor.
Then back at each other.
Then realized they were still in a very compromising position.
"SORRY!" They scrambled apart, both turning away from each other.
Rias looked at Ravel. "I want you to know, before we got married, this club had at least some semblance of dignity."
"Liar," Koneko said flatly, still standing there with her torn skirt. "We've always been like this."
"...Okay, fair point."
Part II:
Later that morning, Rias gathered her peerage in the clubroom for an official announcement.
Everyone was present now: Issei (with a black eye), Akeno (still smiling), Koneko (in a borrowed skirt from Sona's Student Council), Kiba (looking guilty), Asia (still blushing), and Ravel (taking notes like this was a business meeting).
And standing awkwardly near the door was Xenovia Quarta.
The blue-haired exorcist—former exorcist—looked out of place in the Kuoh Academy uniform, her sword Durandal leaning against the wall beside her.
"Everyone," Rias began, standing from her desk. "I'd like to formally introduce our newest member."
"Xenovia's joining?!" Issei perked up immediately. "The sword girl?!"
"The one who said terrible things about Kiba-senpai's dead friends?" Koneko added, her tone icy.
Xenovia winced. "I... I apologize for that. I was wrong. About many things."
Kiba was quiet for a moment, then nodded. "Apology accepted. On one condition."
"What condition?"
"Never speak about the Holy Sword Project like it was 'necessary' ever again."
"I won't. I promise." Xenovia bowed deeply. "I was... brainwashed. Indoctrinated. The Church taught me that sacrifices were always justified. I see now that I was wrong."
Kiba studied her for a long moment.
Then extended his hand. "Welcome to the team, then. Fellow Knight."
Xenovia stared at his hand, then clasped it firmly. "Thank you. I won't let you down."
Rias smiled. "Excellent. Now, Xenovia, as my Knight, you'll need to attend classes here at Kuoh Academy. I've already arranged your transfer papers—"
"Wait," Xenovia interrupted. "I have questions. About devil society. About how peerages work. About—" She paused. "—about what it means to serve a King after spending my entire life serving God."
"That's... a lot of questions," Rias admitted.
"I'll answer them!" Asia volunteered cheerfully. "I was in the same position when I first became a devil!"
"You were?"
"Mm-hm! I was a nun, remember? Adjusting to devil life was really hard at first. But everyone helped me!" Asia beamed. "So, I'll help you too!"
Xenovia's expression softened slightly. "Thank you, Asia. I appreciate that."
"Also," Akeno added with her signature teasing smile, "you'll need to get used to the... casual atmosphere around here~"
"Casual atmosphere?"
As if on cue, Issei tripped over absolutely nothing and fell face-first into Ravel's chest.
"MMMPH!" His muffled scream was lost in blonde hair and boobs.
"ISSEI-SAN!" Ravel squeaked, her face turning bright red. "GET OFF!"
She shoved him away.
He flew backward.
Directly into Akeno.
Who had been leaning over to pick up a pen.
Issei's hand landed squarely on her ass.
*SQUEEZE*
"Ara ara~" Akeno's smile turned positively dangerous. "Issei-kun~ Did you just touch my butt?"
"I-I-I DIDN'T MEAN TO!" Issei scrambled backward. "IT WAS AN ACCIDENT!"
"Oh, I know~ But accidents still require punishment~"
"BUCHOU, SAVE ME!"
Rias just sighed. "Xenovia, to answer your question—yes, this is the casual atmosphere. You'll get used to it."
Xenovia stared at the chaos unfolding before her.
Then looked at Durandal.
Then back at the chaos.
"I've made a terrible mistake," she muttered.
"Probably," Koneko agreed.
Part III:
That afternoon, Rias led her entire peerage (plus Xenovia, who was still adjusting) down to the basement of the old school building.
"Buchou," Issei asked nervously, "why are we going into the creepy basement?"
"Because," Rias replied, "it's time you all met our final member."
"Final member?" Kiba frowned. "I thought we were complete?"
"Not quite." Rias stopped in front of a sealed door covered in magical barriers. "This room contains our Bishop. Gasper Vladi."
"Bishop?" Asia tilted her head. "But I'm your Bishop—"
"You're one of my Bishops. I have two." Rias began dispelling the seals. "Gasper is... special. He has an extremely powerful Sacred Gear, but he can't control it. So, for his own safety—and everyone else's—I've kept him sealed down here."
"That's horrible!" Asia gasped. "He's been locked up alone?!"
"It was necessary. His Sacred Gear can freeze time itself. If he panics and activates it in the middle of a crowded area—"
The door swung open.
Inside was a small, dimly lit room.
And cowering in the corner, wrapped in a blanket, was a petite figure with blonde hair and red eyes.
Wearing a girl's uniform.
"Everyone," Rias said gently, "this is Gasper Vladi. He's a dhampir—half-vampire, half-human—and my Bishop."
"H-Hello," Gasper squeaked, his voice trembling. "P-Please don't hurt me..."
"Hurt you?" Asia immediately rushed forward. "Why would we hurt you?! You're adorable!"
"I-I am?"
"Yes! Look at you! You're so cute!" Asia grabbed his hands. "Are you okay? Have you been eating properly? Do you need anything?"
Gasper stared at her with wide, confused eyes. "You're... being nice to me?"
"Of course I am! You're part of our family now!"
Issei leaned over to Kiba. "Uh, is the bishop a boy or a girl?"
"Boy," Kiba whispered back. "But he's a cross-dresser."
"...I'm so confused."
"Don't worry," Koneko said flatly. "You'll get used to it."
Gasper peeked out from behind Asia. "A-Are you all really not mad at me? For being locked up? For being weak?"
"Weak?" Rias knelt down beside him. "Gasper, you're not weak. You have one of the most powerful Sacred Gears in existence. You just haven't learned to control it yet. But that's okay. We're going to help you."
"You... you are?"
"Mm-hm!" Asia nodded enthusiastically. "We're a team! And teams help each other!"
Gasper's eyes began to water. "I-I've never had a team before..."
"Well, you do now!" Ravel declared, stepping forward. "And as Rias-sama's wife—"
"Wife?!" Gasper squeaked.
"—yes, wife—I'm officially welcoming you to the family! No more hiding in dark rooms! From now on, you're going to attend classes with us!"
"C-Classes?! But I can't! People will stare! They'll think I'm weird!"
"Then they're idiots," Koneko said bluntly. "Ignore them."
Xenovia, who had been silent this whole time, finally spoke up. "Your Sacred Gear can freeze time?"
Gasper nodded nervously. "I-It's called Forbidden Balor View. If I look at someone, they stop moving. B-But I can't control when it activates! Sometimes it just happens and I freeze everyone and—"
"That's incredible," Xenovia breathed. "Do you have any idea how valuable that ability is in combat?"
"C-Combat?! I don't want to fight!"
"You won't have to," Rias assured him. "Not unless you want to. But Xenovia's right—your power is incredible. Once you learn to control it, you'll be an invaluable asset to the team."
"I... I will?"
"Absolutely." Rias smiled warmly. "Now come on. Let's get you out of this room and into the sunlight. You need fresh air."
"B-But what if I accidentally freeze someone?!"
"Then we'll unfreeze them," Kiba said simply. "We're not going to abandon you just because your power is difficult to control."
Gasper stared at all of them.
Then, slowly, he stood up.
"O-Okay. I'll try."
"That's all we ask," Rias said, gently taking his hand.
As they led Gasper out of the basement, Issei leaned over to Akeno. "So... he's a guy, right?"
"Correct~"
"But he's wearing a dress."
"Correct~"
"And he's cute."
"Very cute~"
"...I'm not gay, right?"
"That depends on your definition~" Akeno's smile widened. "Ara ara~ Are you questioning your preferences, Issei-kun?"
"NO! I LOVE BOOBS! BOOBS ARE LIFE!"
"Then why are you staring at Gasper-kun's legs~?"
"I'M NOT—" Issei looked down.
Gasper's skirt had ridden up slightly as they climbed the stairs.
Revealing pale, slender thighs and—
"I SAW NOTHING!" Issei covered his eyes. "NOTHING AT ALL!"
"Liar~" Akeno giggled.
Behind them, Koneko sighed. "He's hopeless."
"Completely," Kiba agreed.
Part IV:
Two days later, during lunch break, Rias received an urgent summons via magic circle.
Her brother's face appeared in glowing crimson light.
"Rias," Sirzechs said, his tone unusually serious. "I need you to gather your peerage. Immediately. Something important is happening."
"Onii-sama? What's wrong?"
"Nothing's wrong. In fact, something's very right. The Three Great Factions—Devils, Fallen Angels, and Angels—are convening a Peace Conference. Here. In Kuoh."
Rias nearly dropped her teacup. "A Peace Conference?! But that's—"
"Unprecedented? Yes. Necessary? Absolutely." Sirzechs's expression was grave. "After the Kokabiel incident, all three factions realized how close we came to another war. We can't afford that. So we're making peace. Officially. Publicly."
"When?"
"This weekend. I'm sending representatives from all three factions to Kuoh Academy. You and Sona will be hosting." He paused. "And I'm personally inviting Caelan Lucifuge to attend as well."
Rias blinked. "Caelan-sensei? Why?"
"Because he prevented the crisis. Because he's respected by all three factions. And because—" Sirzechs smiled slightly, "—I want to thank him properly. Even if he'll probably try to avoid us the entire time. Because I am Proud."
"He definitely will."
"I know. But we're going to try anyway."
The connection cut off.
Rias sat back in her chair, processing this information.
A Peace Conference. Between the three Biblical factions.
This was huge.
This was historical.
This was going to be incredibly annoying for Caelan.
She smiled slightly.
Sorry, sensei. But you're going to have to deal with us after all.
Part V:
That evening, Caelan Lucifuge sat in his office in the Eastern Marches, reviewing trade contracts, when a teleportation circle flared to life in the center of the room.
Sirzechs Lucifer stepped through.
Uninvited.
Again.
"Get out," Caelan said without looking up.
"Hello to you too, son," Sirzechs replied cheerfully. "I have a proposition."
"No."
"You haven't even heard it yet."
"I don't need to. The answer is no."
"It's about the Peace Conference—"
"Especially no."
Sirzechs sighed and sat down in the chair across from Caelan's desk. "Look, I know you'd rather not be involved. But this is important. The Three Factions are making peace for the first time in millennia. And you—"
"—want nothing to do with it."
"—prevented the conflict that almost started another war," Sirzechs continued as if Caelan hadn't spoken. "Azazel specifically requested your presence. So did Michael."
That made Caelan pause.
"Michael? The Archangel? Why would he care about me?"
"Because you stabilized a situation involving holy swords, fallen angels, and devils without casualties. That impressed him." Sirzechs leaned forward. "Caelan, you're respected. By all three factions. Your presence at this summit would be meaningful."
"My presence would be awkward and unnecessary."
"It would show unity. It would show that the new generation—devils who weren't part of the Great War—are capable of cooperation."
"I'm not interested in symbolic gestures."
"Then consider it a business opportunity," Sirzechs said, changing tactics. "There will be leaders from all three factions in attendance. Angels, Fallen Angels, Devils. Imagine the trade agreements you could secure."
Caelan's pen paused mid-signature.
Sirzechs smiled. "Thought that might interest you."
"...Fine. I'll attend. But only for the business opportunities. And I'm not sitting with the Gremory delegation."
"Agreed. You can sit wherever you'd like."
"And if anyone tries to force me into a family reunion, I'm leaving."
"Also agreed." Sirzechs stood. "Thank you, Caelan. This means a lot."
"It means nothing. I'm doing this for profit."
"Of course you are." Sirzechs's smile was warm despite Caelan's cold tone. "I'll see you at the summit."
He teleported away.
Leaving Caelan alone in his office.
He sighed and returned to his contracts.
I'm going to regret this.
Part VII:
Saturday morning.
Kuoh Academy's main building had been transformed magically.
The auditorium was set up like a formal meeting hall, with three distinct seating sections: one for devils (marked by crimson banners), one for fallen angels (black and gold), and one for angels (pure white and gold).
At the center was a round table, symbolizing equality.
Rias stood near the entrance, reviewing the seating arrangements with Sona.
"Are you nervous?" Sona asked.
"Terrified," Rias admitted. "What if something goes wrong? What if someone insults someone else? What if—"
"Breathe, Rias. We've prepared for every contingency." Sona adjusted her glasses. "Besides, with Sirzechs, Serafall, Azazel, and Michael all present, any troublemakers will be dealt with swiftly."
"I suppose you're right."
"Of course I'm right. I'm always right."
The first delegation arrived: the devils.
Sirzechs Lucifer strode in, his crimson hair gleaming, Grayfia at his side. Behind them came Serafall Leviathan, dressed in her ridiculous magical girl outfit (because of course she was), and a small contingent of guards.
"Onii-sama!" Rias greeted him formally. "Welcome."
"Rias-tan!" Serafall immediately glomped onto Rias. "You look so grown up! Are you taking good care of So-tan?!"
"Serafall-sama, please—"
"And you got married! To that cute Phenex girl! How's married life?! Are you happy?! Do you need relationship advice?!"
"I'M FINE, THANK YOU!"
Sona covered her face with her hand. "Onee-sama, please maintain some dignity."
"Dignity is for boring people!" Serafall declared. Then she spotted Sona's peerage standing nearby. "SO-TAN! YOUR SERVANTS ARE HERE TOO! LET ME HUG THEM!"
"ABSOLUTELY NOT!"
While the Sitri sisters bickered, the second delegation arrived: the fallen angels.
Azazel walked in casually, hands in his pockets, looking completely unbothered by the formal atmosphere. Behind him was a tall figure in white and silver armor.
Vali Lucifer.
The White Dragon Emperor.
Issei, who had been standing near Rias, immediately tensed. "That's... him. The guy who beat Kokabiel."
"Vali Lucifer," Kiba confirmed quietly. "The strongest of the fallen angel faction."
Vali's eyes scanned the room, then landed on Issei.
He smiled.
It was not a friendly smile.
"The Red Dragon Emperor," Vali said, his voice carrying across the room. "We meet again."
"Uh, hi?" Issei waved awkwardly.
"I look forward to our fated battle," Vali continued, his smile widening. "When you're stronger. When you're worthy. Then we'll fight for real."
"I... sure? I guess?"
Azazel smacked Vali upside the head. "Stop threatening people. We're here for peace talks."
"I wasn't threatening him. I was promising him."
"Same difference. Behave."
The third and final delegation arrived: the angels.
The doors opened, and pure white light flooded the auditorium.
Michael, the Archangel, entered first. Twelve golden wings spread behind him, radiating holy power that made every devil in the room instinctively tense.
He was tall, ethereal, with golden hair and eyes that seemed to see straight through to one's soul.
"Welcome," Sirzechs said, stepping forward and extending his hand. "Archangel Michael. Thank you for coming."
"Lucifer," Michael replied, his voice gentle but carrying immense weight. He shook Sirzechs's hand. "Thank you for hosting."
Behind Michael came two more angels.
The first was Irina Shidou—Issei's childhood friend, now dressed in white and gold robes, with pristine white wings. She had officially become an angel after the Kokabiel incident.
"Irina!" Issei waved excitedly.
"Issei-kun!" Irina waved back, then remembered she was supposed to be professional. She snapped to attention. "I-I mean, greetings, Hyoudou Issei of the Gremory Household!"
"...You can just call me Issei."
"I'm trying to be formal!"
"You're doing terribly!"
Michael smiled slightly at their exchange.
Then the second angel stepped forward.
And every heterosexual male in the room (and several females) stopped breathing.
Gabriel.
The most beautiful angel in existence.
Long golden hair that seemed to glow. Ten pristine white wings. A face so perfect it didn't seem real. A figure that could only be described as heavenly.
She smiled warmly at the assembled crowd. "Hello, everyone. It's wonderful to meet you all."
Issei's brain short-circuited.
"Boobs," he whispered. "Holy boobs. Literal holy boobs."
"Issei-kun," Akeno whispered back, her voice amused. "You're drooling."
"I can't help it! She's an angel! A real angel! With—"
*WHAM*
Koneko's fist connected with his skull.
"Pervert."
"I WAS JUST APPRECIATING GOD'S CREATION!"
"God is dead," Koneko said flatly.
"THEN MICHAEL'S CREATION! WHOEVER MADE HER DESERVES A MEDAL!"
Gabriel giggled softly. "Thank you for the compliment, young devil."
Issei nearly fainted.
Meanwhile, Xenovia stood frozen, staring at Michael and Gabriel.
These were the angels she'd served. The beings she'd worshipped.
And now they were here. As allies.
She didn't know whether to bow or cry or run away.
Asia, noticing her distress, gently took her hand. "It's okay. They're not going to judge you."
"How do you know?"
"Because angels are kind. That's what makes them angels."
"But I'm a devil now. I betrayed Heaven—"
"Xenovia Quarta," Michael's voice cut through her panic.
She looked up, terrified.
Michael smiled gently. "I'm glad to see you've found a new purpose. Rias Gremory is a good King. Serve her well."
Xenovia's eyes widened. "You... you're not angry?"
"Why would I be angry? You followed your heart. That's all anyone can ask." He placed a hand on her shoulder. "Be at peace, child. Heaven holds no grudge against you."
Xenovia burst into tears.
Asia immediately hugged her. "See? I told you!"
"Th-Thank you," Xenovia sobbed. "Thank you so much..."
Michael nodded kindly, then moved on to greet Sirzechs and the other delegates.
Leaving Xenovia crying happy tears while Asia patted her back.
Part VIII:
Just as everyone was settling into their seats for the conference, the temperature in the auditorium dropped.
Frost began forming on the windows.
A teleportation circle—not red, not black, but pure silver-white—flared to life.
Caelan Lucifuge stepped through, Hoarfrost at his side.
He looked around the room with his usual cold indifference, then sighed.
"I'm here. Where do I sit?"
"Caelan!" Rias waved from the devil section. "Over here!"
"No."
"But we saved you a seat!"
"I don't want to sit with the Gremory delegation."
"Technically," Sirzechs pointed out, "you are a Gremory. By blood, anyway."
"Legally, I'm a Lucifuge. Which means I sit with the Lucifuge delegation." He glanced around. "Where's Grayfia?"
"Here," Grayfia said quietly from beside Sirzechs.
"Then I'm sitting next to her. As the head of House Lucifuge, it's appropriate."
"Caelan—" Grayfia started.
"This is protocol, not preference," he said coldly, walking past her and taking a seat in the second row of the devil section.
Grayfia stared at him for a moment, then quietly sat beside him.
Sirzechs watched this exchange with a mixture of hope and pain.
He's sitting next to his mother. That's progress. Even if he won't admit it.
Azazel, watching this family drama unfold, leaned over to Vali. "That's the Ice King?"
"Apparently."
"He's got balls. I respect that." Azazel stood and walked over to Caelan. "Hey, kid. Azazel. Governor of the Fallen Angels. Heard you froze Kokabiel's attacks like they were nothing."
"They were nothing," Caelan replied without looking at him.
"I like you already. Want a job?"
"No."
"I'm offering good pay—"
"I said no."
"Stubborn. I respect that too." Azazel grinned and returned to his seat.
Michael, meanwhile, approached more diplomatically. "Lord Lucifuge. I've heard much about you. Your intervention during the Excalibur incident was remarkable."
"It was strategic necessity."
"Perhaps. But necessary or not, you saved lives. For that, Heaven thanks you."
Caelan looked up at him. "You're thanking a devil?"
"I'm thanking someone who prevented a war. Your species is irrelevant."
For the first time, Caelan's cold mask cracked slightly. "...You're more pragmatic than I expected."
"I've had millennia to learn pragmatism." Michael smiled. "I hope we can work together in the future."
"We'll see."
Michael nodded and moved on.
Leaving Caelan sitting next to Grayfia in awkward silence.
Finally, Grayfia spoke. "Thank you. For coming."
"I came for business opportunities, not family reunions."
"I know. But... thank you anyway."
Caelan didn't respond.
But he didn't move away either.
Small progress Grayfia thought. I'll take it.
Part IX:
Once everyone was seated, Sirzechs stood at the round table, flanked by Azazel and Michael.
"Welcome," Sirzechs began, his voice amplified by magic. "To the first official peace conference between the Three Biblical Factions since the Great War."
Applause echoed through the auditorium.
"For centuries," Sirzechs continued, "devils, angels, and fallen angels have been enemies. We fought. We killed. We destroyed. And in the end, all we accomplished was mutual devastation."
Azazel nodded. "The Great War killed God. It killed the Four Original Satans. It nearly wiped out all three factions. And for what? Pride? Ideology? Stubbornness?"
"All of the above," Michael said quietly. "And it was foolish. We allowed ancient grudges to nearly destroy us. But—" He looked out at the crowd. "—the new generation has shown us a better way."
He gestured to Rias's peerage. "A devil peerage working alongside former church exorcists. Training together. Fighting together. Protecting each other."
"A fallen angel," Azazel added, gesturing to himself, "personally training a devil—Rias Gremory—and a Red Dragon Emperor—Issei Hyoudou—without thought to faction loyalty."
"And an angel," Michael concluded, looking at Irina, "serving as a bridge between Heaven and the Underworld. Maintaining friendships despite species differences."
Sirzechs smiled. "These young people have proven that peace is possible. So today, we're making it official."
He pulled out a scroll.
Azazel and Michael did the same.
"This treaty," Sirzechs said, "establishes the following terms:
All hostilities between the Three Biblical Factions will cease immediately. Acts of aggression by any member of any faction against another faction will be treated as war crimes and prosecuted by their respective leaders. Trade, diplomacy, and cooperation will be encouraged. Joint task forces will be established to combat threats to all three factions. Disputed territories will be resolved through negotiation, not violence."
"In short," Azazel said, grinning, "we're agreeing not to be idiots anymore."
"More or less," Michael agreed.
Sirzechs held up the scroll. "All in favor?"
Every leader raised their hand.
Sirzechs, Azazel, and Michael each signed the treaty.
The room erupted in applause.
"It's done," Sirzechs announced. "Peace between the Three Great Factions. May it last for millennia to come."
More applause.
Rias felt tears prick her eyes.
We're really doing this. We're really making peace.
Sona, sitting beside her, looked equally moved.
Even Caelan, in the back, had a slightly less cold expression.
Maybe he thought, this world isn't completely hopeless after all.
Part X:
After the official treaty signing, a reception was held in the school cafeteria (which had been magically expanded and decorated).
Devils, angels, and fallen angels mingled awkwardly, trying to make conversation despite millennia of mutual distrust.
Issei found himself standing next to Gabriel.
Don't say something perverted. Don't say something perverted. Don't—
"You're the Red Dragon Emperor, correct?" Gabriel asked sweetly.
"Y-Yes! That's me! Hyoudou Issei! Red Dragon Emperor! Oppai Dragon! Wait, no, that's embarrassing—"
Gabriel giggled. "Oppai Dragon? That's a cute nickname."
"IT'S NOT CUTE! IT'S HUMILIATING!"
"I think it's endearing~"
She's too pure! I can't handle this!
Ddraig, from within the Boosted Gear, spoke up. [Partner. Don't embarrass me in front of an angel.]
"HOW IS THIS MY FAULT?!"
[You're the one who can't talk to women without being weird.]
"I'M NOT BEING WEIRD! I'M BEING NORMAL!"
Gabriel watched this one-sided argument with amusement.
Meanwhile, Xenovia had cornered Irina.
"So you're an angel now."
"Yep! Official angel! Got my wings and everything!" Irina showed off her white wings proudly.
"And you're okay with me being a devil?"
"Of course! You're still Xenovia! Just, you know, demonic now."
"That's a very casual way to describe a fundamental species change."
"I'm a casual person!"
"You really are."
They stood in comfortable silence for a moment.
Then Xenovia spoke up. "Irina. Thank you. For not treating me differently."
"Why would I? You're still my partner. Devil or not." Irina grinned. "Besides, Durandal chose you. That means something."
"I suppose it does."
They clinked their drink glasses together.
Across the room, Azazel had cornered Caelan.
"So. Ice King. I have a question."
"If it's about working for you, the answer is still no."
"It's not. I'm curious about your Absolute Zero ability. How does it work?"
Caelan raised an eyebrow. "Why do you want to know?"
"Because I'm a researcher at heart. I study Sacred Gears, magic, all that fun stuff. And you—" Azazel leaned in, "—have an ability that shouldn't exist. You're not a Sacred Gear user. You're not a god. You're just a devil. So how are you freezing energy itself?"
"Trade secret."
"Figured you'd say that." Azazel grinned. "But seriously, kid. If you ever want to collaborate on magical research, I'm interested. You've got something unique."
"I'll consider it."
"That's not a no. I'll take it."
Azazel wandered off.
Leaving Caelan alone.
For about five seconds.
Then Serafall appeared.
"Caelan-kun!"
Oh no.
"I've been wanting to talk to you! You're so cool! And powerful! And you helped Rias-tan! That makes you a hero!"
"I'm not a hero. I'm a businessman."
"You're a hero-businessman! That's even cooler!" Serafall grabbed his arm. "You should join my magical girl show! We could use a cool rival character! You'd be perfect!"
"Absolutely not."
"Please?"
"No."
"Pretty please?"
"Still no."
"What if I paid you?"
Caelan paused. "How much?"
Serafall's eyes lit up. "DOES THAT MEAN YOU'LL CONSIDER IT?!"
"No. I was just curious what you thought my dignity was worth."
"Aww!" Serafall pouted. "You're mean!"
"I've been told."
She huffed and walked away.
Leaving Caelan alone.
Again.
For about ten seconds.
Then Grayfia appeared.
For the love of—
"Caelan. May I speak with you? Privately?"
"...Fine."
They stepped out onto the balcony overlooking the school grounds.
The night air was cool and quiet.
Grayfia looked out at the stars. "The treaty was beautiful. A historic moment."
"It was politically necessary."
"Can't you just appreciate something without being cynical?"
"No."
Grayfia smiled slightly. "You're just like him, you know."
"Don't."
"Your father. Sirzechs. He hides behind professionalism too. Acts cold when he's really—"
"I said don't." Caelan's voice was ice. "I'm nothing like him."
"You're more like him than you think. Brilliant. Strategic. Protective of those you care about—"
"I don't care about anyone."
"Liar." Grayfia turned to face him. "You care about Rias. You wouldn't have helped her otherwise. You care about this peace. You wouldn't have attended otherwise."
"I attended for business—"
"You attended because you were asked. Because, deep down, you still care what happens to this world." She stepped closer. "Caelan. I know I don't deserve your forgiveness. I know I failed you. But—"
"Stop."
"—I want you to know that I'm proud of you. Of everything you've accomplished. Of the man you've become."
"I don't want your pride."
"I know. But you have it anyway." She smiled sadly. "Whether you want it or not."
Caelan was silent for a long moment.
Then he turned to leave. "Thank you for respecting my boundaries. Goodnight, Grayfia."
He walked back inside.
Leaving Grayfia alone on the balcony.
She wiped away tears that threatened to fall.
He called me Grayfia. Not Mother. But... he didn't call me stranger either.
Small progress.
Part XI:
The celebration continued inside.
Devils, angels, and fallen angels were actually having fun together.
Rias was laughing with Sona.
Issei was arguing with Vali about whose dragon was stronger.
Asia and Irina were catching up.
Everything was peaceful.
Perfect.
And then the lights went out.
"What—" Sirzechs started.
A massive magic circle flared to life in the center of the cafeteria.
Black and purple.
The symbol of the Khaos Brigade.
"EVERYONE DOWN!" Azazel roared.
But it was too late.
Figures poured through the circle.
Dozens of them.
Stray devils. Rogue exorcists. Fallen angels.
And leading them was a tall, white-haired man with an arrogant smile.
Vali tensed. "That's... impossible."
The man laughed. "Miss me, grandson?"
Sirzechs's eyes widened. "Rizevim Livan Lucifer."
The son of the original Lucifer.
One of the most dangerous beings in existence.
And he was here.
"Hello, everyone!" Rizevim announced cheerfully. "I heard there was a party! Thought I'd crash it! Hope you don't mind!"
"Rizevim," Azazel growled. "You have thirty seconds to leave before we vaporize you."
"Oh, I don't think so~" Rizevim snapped his fingers.
The attackers surged forward.
Chaos erupted.
Devils activated their magic.
Angels summoned holy swords.
Fallen angels created light spears.
And in the center of it all, Rizevim laughed.
"This is going to be FUN!"
Caelan, standing near the exit, sighed deeply.
"I knew I'd regret coming here."
Then he activated his Absolute Zero field and stepped into the fray.
Let's get this over with.
TO BE CONTINUED...